Tezpur Airport (TEZ)

Tezpur Airport (Salonibari Airport) is a joint civil-military facility located 8 kilometers northeast of Tezpur city in Assam, India, operating under both the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force's Salonibari Air Force Station. This strategically important airport was originally constructed by the British Royal Indian Air Force during World War II in 1942 and developed into a full-fledged air force base in 1959, serving regions near the borders of Bhutan, Tibet, China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The airport features a single asphalt runway designated 05/23, measuring 2,746 meters (9,010 feet) in length and 45 meters (150 feet) in width, capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft including Sukhoi Su-30 combat aircraft for military operations. Located at an elevation of 240 feet above sea level, the runway underwent comprehensive resurfacing in 2024 as part of an Airports Authority of India modernization initiative. The domestic terminal building has a capacity of approximately 400 passengers at peak times, though some operational sources indicate a more conservative 50-passenger capacity for simultaneous arrivals and departures. The apron can accommodate one Airbus A320 and two ATR-72 aircraft simultaneously. Passenger facilities include wheelchair assistance for elderly and disabled travelers, complimentary baggage trolleys, baggage packing services, snack counters, restaurants serving local cuisine, and retail shops offering magazines, books, and traditional Assamese handicrafts. As of October 2024, civilian operations were temporarily suspended for runway maintenance, with services expected to resume following the completion of infrastructure improvements. When operational, the airport primarily serves domestic routes operated by Air India Regional, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air, connecting Tezpur to major destinations including Kolkata and Silchar, making it a vital transportation hub for northeastern India.